The International Olympic Committee's (IOC) plans for the 1940 Summer Games took many unexpected turns as the world drifted toward global war. 

Training in twin engine B-25 “Mitchell” bombers, the 477th never actually saw combat overseas, but fought another battle here in the United States. Formed as an all-Black unit, it became famous not for its combat record, but for its fight against the military version of “separate but equal.”

Even while held as POWs by the Germans in the POW camp Stalag Luft IV, American servicemen exercised their civic duty and made their voices heard, at least to each other, when they held a straw vote for the 1944 presidential election.

This month, we explore how World War II intersects with African American history, achievements, and contributions to help learners consider how to approach teaching and learning about how the war relates to Black History Month.

The exoneration was announced on the 80th anniversary of the explosion at the Port Chicago Naval Magazine in California that killed 320 people and injured 400 others.